Cheap Flights to West Mersea from HK$399

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will help get your West Mersea holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to West Mersea in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.